College Costs Surge 500% in U.S. Since 1985: Chart of the Day

By Michelle Jamrisko & Ilan Kolet - 2013-08-26T10:00:00Z

The cost of higher education has surged more than 500 percent since 1985, illustrating why there have been renewed calls for change from both political parties.

The CHART OF THE DAY shows that tuition expenses have increased 538 percent in the 28-year period, compared with a 286 percent jump in medical costs and a 121 percent gain in the consumer price index. The ballooning charges have generated swelling demand for educational loans while threatening to make college unaffordable for domestic and international students.